"Threads of Fate: Rikto's Awakening in the Mahabharata"

Ally and Enemies

Rikto was sitting in his study, and Prime Minister Mukesh was informing him about the advantages and disadvantages of his country, such as which countries have hostile relations with Navaratna and which countries they have close relationships with.

Yesterday, Rikto came to Navaratna, and without delay, he went to meet his mother. She was so emotional that she didn't let him leave her side all day. His father was also very happy. Rikto shared many interesting stories to make them smile.

They were just happy spending time together.

Rikto loves his kingdom very much; after all, who doesn't like his own property? So, today he summoned Prime Minister Mukesh to understand the current situation of the country and what types of resources they have.

Navaratna is a medium-sized kingdom blessed with abundant natural resources and minerals. The kingdom is known for its fertile lands, lush forests, and rich mineral deposits.

The port city of Rio, situated on the kingdom's southern coast, is the heart of Navaratna's trade network.

Rikto was astonished that the kingdom has so many resources. But even with so many resources, the people of the kingdom are not rich. After deep research, he understood why: it's because they just don't know how to utilize these resources.

Rikto wondered, even after having so many resources why no neighboring kingdom is hostile to them. After asking, he understood the reason. Navaratna has a very strong army and a strong ally, Gandhar. The king of Gandhar, Sakuni, is his mother's cousin. His maternal grandfather was the brother of the late king of Gandhar, Subala. His maternal grandfather also died at the hands of Mahamahim Bhishma while protecting Princess Gandhari.

Now things have became complicated. He knew his mother loves her uncle very much, and why wouldn't she? After her mother died when she was very young, it was her cousins who took care of her. Even after her marriage, her husband's kingdom was backed by them.

Even though her father died protecting Gandhari, she has no resentment towards her. Yes, she was sad, but also proud. In this period, when princesses are used to form alliances with strong kingdoms, her family isn't like that. They would die protecting their girls' happiness even if they faced one of the strongest kingdoms. It was the same for her. She loved Raj, and that was enough reason for them to let her marry him. They just wanted her to be happy.

Although Rikto doesn't know that much, he knew his mother loves her maternal family, and if there is a war, she will definitely hope her son helps her maternal family because she knows her son has enough strength and courage to face any enemy. Rikto would never decline her request.

Rikto knows very well there will be a huge war in the future, and no doubt he will have to participate. He will also have to participate on the side that will definitely lose.

The war of Kurukshetra is called the biggest Dharma Yudh. This war was basically a meat grinder. Countless people died just because of the foolishness of a few people.

Rikto doesn't know if it was really a war for the establishment of Dharma. He thinks both the Pandavas and Kauravas are adharmi. He believes a husband who can stake his own wife can never be on the side of Dharma.

Most of the characters in the epic of "Mahabharata" are grey. Rikto also thinks the whole Kurukshetra war happened because of karmic consequences.

Bhishma kidnapped Amba, and Mahadev gave her a boon that she would be the cause of Bhishma's death. Karna lied to his teacher and was cursed. Draupadi insulted Karna by calling him Sut Putra. In the Dyut Sabha, Karna insulted her by calling her a whore. Draupadi insulted Duryodhana by saying, "A blind person's son is also blind." In the Dyut Sabha, Duryodhana insulted Draupadi by ordering Dushasana to disrobe her. Draupadi cursed the entire Kuru dynasty that there would be no living male heir to continue their bloodline, and even the Pandavas were not spared from this curse. Lord Krishna himself was cursed by Queen Gandhari, and his whole clan was destroyed.

Uttara's son, Parikshit, was alive only because Krishna revived him.

So, this war was a karmic consequence of a few people's deed , and its price was paid by countless people who participated in this war.